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In Acts chapter 2, Luke records: "When
the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven
and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what
seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each
of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to
speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Of all
the days in the Christian Year, Pentecost must be the best day of
all to be "together in one place".
Christians of all denominations in the town and district are
sensing a new desire to be "together",
irrespective of our different styles of worship and emphases. Of
course it was Jesus' fervent prayer that we might be one - but for a
purpose - "that the world might believe"
(John 17:21). Cirencester Churches Together hope that our
gathering together on Pentecost Sunday will be a powerful sign not
only to the town and district, but also to the "rulers,
the authorities, the powers of this dark world and the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12) that
Jesus is indeed Lord of heaven and earth! We pray too for a fresh
outpouring of his Holy Spirit that will refresh us all and make us
more effective in our witness to the good news of Jesus.
The event began with a picnic tea at 4.00 pm near the
Bandstand in the Abbey Grounds. Everyone was invited to
bring their own food, and something to sit on, if required. We were
praying for good weather and were blessed with a fine day, albeit
rather blustery. Musicians from
Harnhill Centre
for Christian Healing were present to play and lead us in our
worship. At around 5.00 pm there was a time of worship and
sharing together which lasted for about 50 minutes. Father
Michael St-John Channel (Vicar, Parish Church) will be led us
in worship, and Revd Nigel Ford (Minister of
Cirencester Baptist Church)
gave us a brief inspirational word from scripture. All the
church leaders were thoroughly involved in the programme. As hoped, people won't rush away afterwards, but
took the
opportunity to relax and enjoy meeting friends new and old. |
